Posts Tagged ‘Philadelphia Eagles

Donovan McNabb was all smiles after the Redskins beat the Eagles 17-12

By Ben Linton

If you had told me five years ago that Donovan McNabb would be playing at Lincoln Financial Field as a visiting quarterback, I probably would have believed you. But If you had told me he would be playing for the Redskins, I would have called you crazy. In one of the most bizarre trades in NFL history, Donovan McNabb, at age 33 and no signs of slowing down, landed in the laps of the Washington Redskins in the biggest story of the 2010 off-season.

Although McNabb always has a “one game at a time” attitude a “We not Me” mentality with the media (as any franchise quarterback should), I’m sure deep down that this game was circled on his calendar from the start. I’m sure he payed close attention when he saw Kevin Kolb get injured in Week One, then Michael Vick took his place even when he was back and healthy. I’m sure he remembers how the Eagles used their excuse of shipping him to Washington as a beginning of the Kevin Kolb era and starting in a new direction. But when Vick started weeks two and three in Detroit and Jacksonville, it seemed as if the Eagles wanted any quarterback not named Donovan McNabb to be their leader in 2010. Slap in the face to Donovan if you ask me.

But Philadelphia redeemed themselves somewhat when McNabb was applauded as he was announced on Sunday. He was the one who would get the last laugh in the end as Washington defeated Philadelphia 17-12. Finally, Donovan got to say what was on his mind:

“But I just want to say, definitely, this right here defines team, and this is something we can feed off of going into the rest of the season. We are No. 1 in the NFC East, and we are gonna stay up there. Everybody makes mistakes in [their] lifetime, and they made one last year! So … thank you.”

Whether McNabb wanted it to be or not, this game was about him. He deserved to say that Philadelphia made a mistake, and proved it by beating them yesterday. This was a defining moment in McNabb’s career and for that I congratulate him.

And you thought this was the year the Washington Redskins wouldn’t make an off-season splash? Guess again because here they come cannon-balling off the diving board in a trade that sends Donovan McNabb to D.C. Today the 33-year old veteran was sent packing to Washington for a second round pick in this year’s draft and a third or fourth round selection in 2011.

McNabb leaves behind a legacy in Philadelphia, which includes 5 NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl appearance in 2004. He leaves as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, completions, attempts, completion percentage, and touchdown passes. The reigns will now be handed on to Kevin Kolb as the Eagles’ Quarterback of the future.

So now McNabb arrives in D.C., a place desperate for a quarterback after years of searching. It is odd that a trade like this would go down, especially within the same division, but it seems as if the Redskins are ready to move away from Jason Campbell and move on with McNabb and build around him. The Redskins also added Rex Grossman earlier this offseason, so this may mean the end for Campbell in Washington. Expect him to be traded, in a best-case scenario the Skins could get that second-round pick back for him.

This will make April’s draft even more interesting and important. The Redskins could select Notre Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen at No. 4, have McNabb mentor him, and then play him when he is ready. Or Washington could draft what they need, an offensive tackle, at that same spot and give McNabb protect. Weapons have already been added in running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson to go along with Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Fred Davis and Santana Moss. All McNabb will need is some protection and he can thrive in this offense.

This is a good move for the Redskins. They get a top-10 NFL quarterback, a proven winner, and I like the idea of a veteran coach and quarterback combination. That could equal success in the NFL. Although I will admit it will be weird seeing McNabb in a Redskins’ uniform next year, but I am ready for this change. All signs are pointed in the right direction thus far in Washington.

This is becoming a monotonous theme of the Washington Redskins’ season. This time, Washington blew another 4th quarter lead to a divisonal opponent, as the Philidelphia Eagles clipped the Skins 27-24 at Lincoln Financial Field. Although they were without stars Albert Hanyesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, and Chris Cooley, it was the way that the Redskins lost that really hurt. To give such a good effort and come up short can really kill a team’s morale. Here’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from Week 12.

Good:

1. For the second straight game, Washington was great on third down efficiency, converting 8 of 17 attempts. This is odd because usual these are passing situations when the offensive line can’t block, but somehow the Skins continue to get it done. The Redskins were only sacked twice this game, compared to five the last meeting.

2. DeSean Jackson has torched Washington this year for 3 touchdowns. But a big hit on him by London Fletcher gave him a concussion to put him out of the game. Although you never want to condone injuring another player, thats one way to take the opponents best player out of the game.

Bad:

1. Jason Campbell’s two interceptions two Asante Samuel were huge momentum swingers and led to 6 Philly points. To beat a good team like the Eagles, you can’t turn the ball over.

Ugly:

1. Once again the Skins failed to close out another game in the 4th quarter. They lead 24-16 with 11:42 remaining, but could not hold on. This was the 5th time the Redskins lost a game when leading in the 4th quarter. Not clutch.

Next Up: The undefeated New Orleans Saints at FedEx Field, a game that I am going to. Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Mark my words, this will be the last Michael Vick post on All Metro Sports World. Today Vick signed a two-year deal with the Philidelphia Eagles to end his long search for a team. He will now join Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb as Eagles’ Quarterbacks.

Am I happy to see Michael Vick back in the NFL? Yes. But on a rivalteam in the division? Ehh. I don’t really understand the Eagles’ motive for signing Vick, because personally I think McNabb is the best quarterback in the NFC East. Its not like hes inept at scrambling either, which is Vick’s forte. But come to think of it, Philly fans have been trying to get McNabb out of there for a while now.

This certainly will add an element to Philidelphia’s offense. Vick is no doubt a playmaker, but also a bonehead. You got to take the good with the bad with this guy. Hopefully Vick can stay out of trouble and resurrect his career, just don’t beat the Redskins.